オープンから約1年半経つのというのに、この新しいギャラリーに来たのは、実は今回が初めて。今回観た、イギリスの現代アートを紹介する「Newspeak: British Art Now Part II」は、強烈な印象を持つ作品や心に残る作品が見当たらない、少し小粒な展覧会だったけれど、4フロア計13室の新しいギャラリーは以前の少し薄暗い建物に比べ、明るく広々としていて、気持ちがいい。入場料も無料なので、気軽に足を運べるのも嬉しい。ただ、ギャラリー前の公園は立ち入り禁止なのが残念。アート鑑賞後、リラックスするのに最適の場所なのに。

It was the first time for us to visit the gallery in this new location, though it reopened a year and half ago. “The Newspeak: British Art Now Part II“, exhibiting emergent British contemporary art, didn’t offer us much without any strong impression nor eye-opening experience, but new gallery space with total of 13 rooms on four floors is bright and airy, and pleasant place to enjoy art, with a big incentive of free admission. It is a shame that we couldn’t relax in the park in front, which was off limit, after stroll around this large gallery.

My favorite work in the gallery, “20:50“, created by British artist Richard Wilson. This is the only permanent installation at the Saatchi Gallery and has been continuously shown in each of the gallery’s venues since 1991. The room 13 is entirely flooded in thick and pitch black oil, which the title “20:50” takes its name from the type of recycled engine oil used – it reflects the architecture of the room. Thought the floor was made of black mirror – great idea.